IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill was in buoyant form after seeing his side score a late equaliser against Poland last night, paying tribute to the team’s ability to retain their “self-belief” despite the game not always going according to plan.
O’Neill praised the performance of Wigan’s James McClean in particular, after the winger had a big influence after replacing Aiden McGeady in the 67th minute.
“I think James McClean was pivotal,” he said. “His time on the field was nothing short of excellent.
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“I thought his first run and whipped in ball was fantastic and he was unlucky not to start. Aiden hasn’t played much football and I thought he was feeling the pace of the game.”
And while praising his side’s “courage and spirit” — pointing out that it was the third time in this campaign that they had managed to register a crucial late goal — O’Neill admitted the team’s first-half performance was below par.
“We started off tentatively… We played a very attacking lineup, as the onus was on us to attack
“We were disappointed with the first half, as we didn’t create enough… We gave away a really soft goal.”
Nevertheless, O’Neill added that Ireland merited a draw at the very least on the basis of their display after the break.
“Our second-half performance was terrific — we dominated midfield and certainly deserved at least a draw in the match.
“James McCarthy came strongly into the game and the players rose to the occasion.”
And while many suggested last night’s fixture was a must-win encounter, O’Neill insists Ireland are still well in the hunt for qualification.
“We’re still in the competition. Scotland is naturally a very important game — I think we have to beat Scotland. [We can] if the second half showing is anything to go by
“It was important that we didn’t lose, but we didn’t go in with that mentality.”
The 63-year-old coach also paid tribute to the crowd at the Aviva, emphasising their importance in contributing to a lively affair.
“It can sound patronising, but I thought the atmosphere was fantastic.
“I thought the crowd were fantastic and played a big part in keeping the spirits up.”
James McClean was pivotal in securing draw - Martin O'Neill
IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill was in buoyant form after seeing his side score a late equaliser against Poland last night, paying tribute to the team’s ability to retain their “self-belief” despite the game not always going according to plan.
O’Neill praised the performance of Wigan’s James McClean in particular, after the winger had a big influence after replacing Aiden McGeady in the 67th minute.
“I think James McClean was pivotal,” he said. “His time on the field was nothing short of excellent.
“I thought his first run and whipped in ball was fantastic and he was unlucky not to start. Aiden hasn’t played much football and I thought he was feeling the pace of the game.”
And while praising his side’s “courage and spirit” — pointing out that it was the third time in this campaign that they had managed to register a crucial late goal — O’Neill admitted the team’s first-half performance was below par.
“We were disappointed with the first half, as we didn’t create enough… We gave away a really soft goal.”
Nevertheless, O’Neill added that Ireland merited a draw at the very least on the basis of their display after the break.
“James McCarthy came strongly into the game and the players rose to the occasion.”
And while many suggested last night’s fixture was a must-win encounter, O’Neill insists Ireland are still well in the hunt for qualification.
“It was important that we didn’t lose, but we didn’t go in with that mentality.”
The 63-year-old coach also paid tribute to the crowd at the Aviva, emphasising their importance in contributing to a lively affair.
“I thought the crowd were fantastic and played a big part in keeping the spirits up.”
‘You could tell there was a goal coming and thankfully I was the man to get it’ – Long>
3 talking points from last night’s Ireland-Poland clash>
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Euro 2016 Qualifiers James McCarthy Martin O'Neill Reaction Shane Long Ireland Republic Poland